Sunday, 14 July 2019
Greg writes: Despite Ed asserting in his most recent ride report that the Sunday ride on 14th July would be the event of the summer, I was less than sure that anyone else would come out to play on a day when so many other sporting events were on offer. Would a ride to Wicken be able to compete with "The Tour" on Bastille Day, the British Grand Prix, the Wimbledon Men's Final and the Cricket World Cup?
Thus it was that on arriving at Brookside for a 1.30pm start I was pleasantly surprised to find five fellow travellers! Even more surprising was the fact that one of them was John "redsocks" – our very own CTC member of the Barmy Army. "Why was he not watching the cricket?" I enquired? His eyes rolled – obviously this was the third or fourth time he had been asked this question – and he replied that on a glorious summer's day like today who wants to be indoors when you can be outside? This is a sentiment the rest of us heartily agreed with.
We were also pleased to welcome Nigel who was using the Sunday afternoon ride as a stage in his recovery from his recent crash. It was good to see him back on a bike – and staying on!
Adrian made an appearance at the start who, as is his wont, appeared and disappeared at various times during the ride. As did Mike CC and Liz who made up the rest of the team for the day.
So we set off – down Trumpington Road and then left down Barrow Road and onwards to the busway.
We left the Addenbrookes site using the newly installed cycle ramp onto red Cross Lane – a simple 20 feet of tarmac that makes the gateway there easy for bikes rather than the annoying congested entrance they before.
We then picked up Wort's Causeway and approached the Gogs. Here Liz engaged after burners and shot off into the lead with the rest of us in her wake – Nigel finding the effort rather testing as he went uphill. Not to worry though since this was the only real hill of the day – and we regrouped at the top.
Regrouping at the top of Wort's Causeway
We duly set off again but this time downhill with the views across to Balsham and north across towards the Fens laid out before us.
After negotiating Fulbourn we were now in the countryside proper and made good progress despite now being into the wind. At least the wind helped to ensure all of those behind the two in front (Greg & Mike) could hear them discussing such matters as Borislove (Mike) to the Great Reform Act 1832 (Greg). They duly maintained the reputation that the Sunday rides have apparently gained for the erudite conversation that occurs.
Then a dispute arose – were these fields of corn not more ripe and yellow for July than expected? Greg pointed out to Mike CC that it was Barley and not Corn – the latter being the maize product that makes Cornflakes etc. Mike called up from the depths of his knowledge an arcane reference to Thomas Hardy whilst Greg maintained his pedant's stance over the definitions for cereal crops. The dispute rumbled on good naturedly (geddit?) for a couple of miles…though on later checking up it turns out that corn does have a role in English as a generic cereal descriptor (Cambridge Dictionary). The writer is happy to give Mike CC due recognition for his perspicacity in this matter though the 'Pedalling Pedants' will doubtless resume their dual at some future date.
After going through Great Wilbraham Greg called a brief halt to admire the cottage garden on the bend. The two gardeners were busy at work and we praised them on the results of their labours.
Admiring their handiwork
But we couldn't delay – we had further miles to go. Onwards through Bottisham and then to the Swaffhams.
There was a sudden 'Left here' cry from Greg – who had overreacted somewhat to seeing a Lode's Way sign in Swaffham Prior only for Adrian to carry on imperiously and ignore him! On reconsidering it was apparent that Adrian was, as usual, right and so we duly followed him onto Reach (if in doubt, follow Adrian, could be a useful club motto).
The motto was soon to be broken though because in Reach, after a brief pause for Nigel to take some Vitamin I (Ibuprofen for the uninitiated) to help ease his discomfort, Greg set off down what Mike described as a glorious little lane – whilst Adrian headed to Balsham to avoid the bike lift over the bridge coming up. We were now headed into the Flatlands proper as we left Reach and went along one of the drove roads. You can tell it is the Fens because 1) the sky is immense, 2) the road surface is awful and 3) the wind is against you!
So we wove our way onwards into the wind though the sun was trying to break through and the overall temperature was a very pleasant 21C.
When we arrived at the bridge at Burwell Lode we had to dismount to lift the bikes over the steep steps. Nigel didn't feel up to such a strenuous activity so Greg duly assisted and then had to repeat his efforts for Mike CC who has a dicky shoulder. The duties of Ride Leader are numerous...
Yet we were now over the water, the sun was coming out and Wicken was only a couple of miles away and lo, who should reappear but Adrian. Follow Adrian, Greg cried – and we all set off across Wicken Fen.
The group then entered the NT area – and Adrian threw a crafty right turn. By the time Nigel had discussed which way with Greg – and neither of them quite knew the route Adrian had taken – it was decided to stick to the usual plan and cycle along past the NT tearoom. This we duly did and as we started to enter Wicken proper who should appear – but Adrian. He's got ahead – again! Anyway, the group reassembled and we arrived at Wicken Village Hall at 3.40pm – in good time for tea and cake or, in Nigel's case, two pieces of cake (medicinal purposes only, you know).
After ten minutes John Redsocks – who had followed along at his own pace – duly arrived to make the group complete. He was able to give us insights into the Lord's wicket – slow so the NZ total might not be easily reached – Mike CCs over confidence in England may be misplaced.
Mike looking confident in England's victory
Greg confirmed that Lewis had won the British GP and the tennis was just, at this stage, rumbling on.
We were joined at tea by Lesley B who had cycled down from Soham but, after a pleasant half hour of chatting it was once again time to saddle up and head out. Adrian again opted to avoid the bike lift whilst Greg repeated his earlier Sherpa impressions to get everyone over and, for once, we were able to ride the Lode's Way with the sun out and the wind behind us – quite glorious!
Awaiting the sherpa
We passed through Lode and soon emerged by Anglesey Abbey, where we picked up the new cycle path here towards Quy.
Greg leads us on the journey home (Photo: Nigel)
Further on we stopped at High Ditch Road for the customary ride dissipation. The South of Cambs vs the City divide duly occurred and the final stats for the day were some 38 miles of lovely fresh air. We also managed to be back in time to get the end of the cricket and the tennis – a breathless afternoon of sport for all!
Greg
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this route (GPX).